Manchester United have been left frustrated twice in the space of a week after two of their top midfield targets joined rival clubs. Elliot Anderson signed for Manchester City from Nottingham Forest in a club record deal worth £116 million on 25 June, while Tottenham have now agreed an £85 million fee with West Ham for Mateus Fernandes — a player United also pursued.

United made clear before the summer window opened that they were unwilling to meet Forest's asking price for Anderson, which ultimately reached around £120 million. The pursuit of Fernandes ended in a similar fashion: United were prepared to pay £85 million — including add-ons — but feared that matching Tottenham's opening bid would only drive the price higher, perhaps to £90 million. The club believes its refusal to enter a bidding war reflects responsible financial management.

A quiet transfer window so far

As June turned to July, United have seen departures without any arrivals. Out-of-contract players including Casemiro and Jadon Sancho have moved on, while Rasmus Hojlund departed for Napoli in a £38 million deal confirmed in May, triggered by the Italian club's Champions League qualification. Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana, however, remain under contract at Old Trafford.

United have agreed a £35 million deal with Atalanta for midfielder Ederson, though his medical has been delayed because he received a late call-up to the Brazil squad for the FIFA World Cup. Under the club's protocols, he will receive a minimum of three weeks off after Brazil's campaign ends — meaning his signing is not imminent.

Fresh midfield names emerge

Following the setbacks over Anderson and Fernandes, United are assessing their remaining options. Bournemouth's Alex Scott has been mentioned, but Arsenal have already been told the 22-year-old is unavailable, and Bournemouth are working to extend his contract. Tyler Adams, also of Bournemouth, and Brighton's Carlos Baleba have been linked as alternatives.

Felix Nmecha has also entered the conversation. The former Manchester City academy player is well known to United director of football Jason Wilcox, who previously served as head of City's academy. United are also monitoring the situation of Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, though the current expectation is that the France international will stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Rashford and Onana situations unresolved

Off the pitch, André Onana is close to agreeing a second loan spell at Turkish club Trabzonspor, despite still being contracted to United until 2028. Rashford's future is equally uncertain. Barcelona chose not to exercise a £26 million purchase option for the 28-year-old last month, and United are unwilling to sanction another loan to the Spanish club. Unless Rashford finds a permanent destination, he will return to pre-season training three weeks after England's World Cup campaign concludes.

Club officials insist calm is warranted. The first Premier League fixture — away at Hull — is seven weeks away, and the transfer window remains open for almost nine weeks. United sources maintain that their recruitment approach is sound, pointing to last season's unexpected Champions League qualification as evidence that their strategy can deliver results. Whether that reassurance satisfies supporters eager for high-profile arrivals remains to be seen.